The legal definition of harassment in Washington state involves a pattern or a single act of intentional behavior that seriously alarms, annoys, harasses, or harms a person without serving a legitimate or lawful purpose, and that causes substantial emotional distress to the victim.

Key Elements of Harassment in Washington:

1. Course of Conduct or Single Act:

   • Harassment can be a series of intentional acts over time that alarm, annoy, harass, or harm the victim.
   • Alternatively, a single act of violence or threat of violence can qualify if it causes substantial emotional distress and involves a malicious threat or weapon.

2. Intent and Effect:

   • The acts must be intentional and without a legitimate or lawful purpose.
   • The victim must reasonably suffer substantial emotional distress as a result.

3. Legitimate or Lawful Purpose:

   • The court considers whether the acts serve a lawful purpose, such as protecting legal interests or enforcing laws.
   • Factors include whether the abuser initiated contact, whether the victim has clearly communicated that contact is unwanted, and whether the acts interfere with the victim’s privacy or create a hostile environment.

4. Threats and Fear:

   • Under RCW 9A.46.020, harassment includes knowingly threatening to cause bodily injury, physical damage, confinement, or other malicious acts intended to harm physical or mental health.
   • The threat must place the victim in reasonable fear that it will be carried out.
   • Communication can include electronic means.

5. Criminal Classification and Penalties:

   • Harassment is generally a gross misdemeanor.
   • It becomes a class C felony if the offender has prior harassment convictions involving the same victim or threatens to kill the victim.

6. Civil Protection:

   • Victims may seek civil anti-harassment protection orders under RCW 7.105 to prevent further harassment.

Summary Table of Harassment Elements in Washington State

This framework covers both criminal and civil aspects of harassment in Washington, emphasizing the intentionality, emotional impact, and absence of lawful purpose as core elements of the offense.